Audit

Audit is an essential element in the process of accountability for public money and makes an important contribution to the stewardship of public resources and the corporate governance of public services.

Audit in the public sector is underpinned by three fundamental principles:

• auditors are appointed independently from the bodies being audited;
• the scope of auditors’ work is extended to cover not only the audit of financial statements but also value for money and the conduct of public business; and
• auditors may report aspects of their work widely to the public and other key stakeholders.

External Audit

The duties and powers of auditors appointed by the Audit Commission are set out in the Audit Commission Act 1998 and the Local Government Act 1999 and the Commission’s statutory Code of Audit Practice. Under the Code of Audit Practice, appointed auditors are also required to comply with the current professional standards issued by the independent Auditing Practices Board.

Annual Audit Letters

The external auditor publishes annual audit letters to enhance the openness and transparency of the audit process for which they are responsible. Annual audit letters summarise key matters arising from the yearly audit in clear language for executives, stakeholders and residents. Our most recent Audit Letters can be viewed by clicking the links below.

Information regarding cookies

This site uses cookies to store information on your computer. Some of these cookies are essential to make our site work and others help us to improve by giving us some insight into how the site is being used. More information.